Academic Planning

As required by the University of Colorado Administrative Policy Statement 1019, all degree programs at the university are to undergo thorough review at least once every seven years. The academic program review process is managed by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs in conjunction with the Graduate School. Where appropriate, reviews by external specialized program accreditors can substitute for the internal program review.  Campus Administrative Policy 1000 provides specific requirements for degree program review.

Campus Administrative Policy 1040 outlines procedures for the establishment of centers and institutes.  A proposal for a new center or institute must include a program plan, a five-year revenue and expenditure budget, and bylaws that address the governance and leadership structure and control provisions. More detailed information is provided within the campus policy.

Individuals are encouraged to seek support early in the proposal development process. Help is available for drafting the program plan, budget model, and bylaws.  Contact Jill Taylor for more information.

New Degree Programs

Procedures for the development and approval of new degree programs are detailed in University of Colorado Administrative Policy Statement 1038 and Campus Administrative Policy 1038A.  

For a summary of these procedures, see CU Anschutz Degree and Certificate Program Approval Process.  All new degree programs are subject to approval by the Board of Regents.

Individuals are encouraged to seek support early in the proposal development process. Help is available for drafting the proposal, including the budget model.  Contact Jill Taylor for more information.

Dual Degree Programs

Guidelines for Establishing Dual Degree Programs provides guidance on the process for creating a dual degree program from existing degree programs. A dual degree program may include degrees at the same level (e.g. MPA/MPH) or a different level (e.g. MD/MPH).  It may include two degrees offered by CU Anschutz or may include a degree offered by CU Anschutz and another CU campus or an outside institution.

New Certificate Programs

The process for approving new certificate programs is provided in Campus Administrative Policy 1038A.  In many cases, certificate programs only require approval by the Dean of the school/college offering the program.

For a summary of these procedures, see CU Anschutz Degree and Certificate Program Approval Process.

Degree Program Discontinuance

The formal discontinuance of a degree program must be approved by the Board of Regents. Procedures are outlined in University of Colorado Administrative Policy Statement 1015 and Campus Administrative Policy 1025.

Degree Program Name Changes

Proposals for renaming a degree program must be submitted by the dean of the school/college and include a) the justification of the name change; b) the impact on students and faculty; c) any reorganization of personnel and implications on budget; d) any approvals required from school or college committees; and e) any additional input from students currently enrolled in the degree, faculty or other constituents.

After evaluation by the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, the proposal is forwarded to the Chancellor for approval. Following approval by the chancellor, documents supporting the name change are submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Colorado system who coordinates notification of the change to the University Affairs Committee of the Board of Regents.

See Campus Administrative Policy 1038A.

New Academic Units

A proposal to establish a new academic unit (defined by Regent Law as a school, college, or department that rosters tenured and/or tenure track faculty and offers at least one degree program) must be approved by the Board of Regents.

Before a proposal can be submitted for regent approval, it must be reviewed by the Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs and recommended by the Chancellor.

A proposal to establish an academic unit that does not meet the definition provided in Regent Law is subject to approval by the Chancellor but does not require regent approval.

See Campus Administrative Policy 1001A.

Academic Unit Discontinuance

The formal discontinuance of an academic unit (defined by Regent Law as a school, college, or department that rosters tenured and/or tenure track faculty and offers at least one degree program) must be approved by the Board of Regents.  Procedures are outlined in University of Colorado Administrative Policy Statement 1015 and Campus Administrative Policy 1025.

Academic Unit Name Changes

Proposals for renaming an academic department must come from the dean of the school/college and include a) the justification of the name change; b) the impact on students and faculty; c) any reorganization of personnel and implications on budget; d) any approvals required from school or college committees; and e) any additional input from faculty or other constituents.

The proposal should be submitted to the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. The Chancellor has approval authority. If the academic unit falls within the Regent definition of an academic unit, documents supporting the name change will be sent to the Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Colorado who coordinates notification of the change to the University Affairs Committee of the Board of Regents.

If the academic unit is not considered an academic unit according to the Regent definition (a school, college, or department that rosters tenured and/or tenure track faculty and offers at least one degree program), Board of Regents notification is not required.

See Campus Administrative Policy 1001A.